black maria
Plural
black marias
1
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
Synonyms:
2
a police van used for transporting prisoners or suspects
A black maria is a term used for a type of police van or wagon, typically used to transport prisoners. It is usually enclosed and has barred windows, designed to securely hold individuals while being transported to jail or court. The vehicle often features a separate compartment for prisoners, offering some privacy while ensuring security. The term "black maria" dates back to the 19th century and has been commonly used in various English-speaking countries to describe these specialized police vehicles.
- The police officers loaded the suspects into the Black Maria after the raid.
- Protestors were taken away in a Black Maria during the demonstration.
- The Black Maria was parked outside the courthouse, ready to transport prisoners.
- Police reinforcements arrived in a Black Maria to assist with crowd control.
- The Black Maria's interior was designed to securely hold multiple detainees.